Emma Raducanu expresses anger ahead of Australian Open after being put in 'very difficult' position

Despite her late arrival, tournament officials have placed her on the first day of competition, with her clash against Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew scheduled as the second night session on Margaret Court Arena.

The timing presents a significant problem, as her match follows a men's fixture starting at 7pm local time, raising the prospect of an extremely late start should that contest extend to five sets.

Raducanu was scheduled to hold her first practice session at 9pm local time on Saturday, highlighting the rapid turnaround she faces.

"It's very difficult. You would love to have more time in the environment, more time practising, but I guess I was pretty much handed the schedule to try and turn it around and make the most out of what is in front of me," she said.

The 23-year-old was particularly critical of the decision to place women's fixtures after men's matches that could run to five sets.

"It's very difficult to be scheduling women's matches after a potential five-set match. To me, it doesn't really make much sense," Raducanu added.

She acknowledged this represents unfamiliar territory, noting her only comparable experience came during her US Open semi-final run.

The scheduling difficulties come at a particularly challenging time for Raducanu, who has been managing a foot injury that significantly curtailed her pre-season preparation.

Her recent performances have reflected a lack of match fitness, with a defeat to low-ranked Australian Taylah Preston in Hobart following an unconvincing display against Maria Sakkari at the United Cup.

"It's definitely a lot better," she said of the injury.

"I've been having to manage it for the last few months but I'm really happy with the progress that I've made this year."

Raducanu is taking a measured approach to the season, recognising that her delayed return to tennis training means she cannot expect immediate results.

"I started training very, very late on tennis-wise," she explained.

"So, because of that, I feel like I need to kind of take the pressure off myself and not put too much pressure on and expect to be playing amazing tennis."

Her opponent on Sunday, Sawangkaew, arrives at Melbourne Park ranked 195th in the world and will be competing in her maiden grand slam main draw.

However, Raducanu has cautioned against underestimating the Thai player, who has already claimed a lower-level title this season.

"I think it's a tricky one because, playing a lot of matches, even if it's at ITF level, and getting a lot of wins, it does so much," she stated.

"I think it's a very dangerous opponent, a very dangerous situation to be in.

"You don't know that much about them, so there is that element of surprise, too."

Raducanu's first match is set to take place at 9.40am at tbe Margaret Court Arena tomorrow.